"Why do you have to be so negative?" Topic

As I was commenting on the "Boobies & Bellies & Butts" thread it occurred to me that certain members here are so negative about what other people like or don't like.

Who are you to make judgments or to criticize about what people like or don't like in a range of miniatures.

If you don't like scantily clad FANTASY women why comment on new fantasy figure releases.
If you don't like a set of rules like 40K, don't put down the people who play those rules.
If the figure is poorly sculpted then there will be no sales for that figure. I don't need anyone here telling me what to like in art.

My question the TMP population is….

Why do you make negative comments about something that you have no interest in?

Look left

All members in good standing are free to post here. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the posters, and have not been cleared with nor are they endorsed by The Miniatures Page.

You have a problem with that?

I often wonder why so many people on here are so positive – and I am not taking the mick here – I mean, when someone posts a link to a figure and says 'Hi, what do you all think of my new figure, I am starting my own business!' The usual anodyne 'yeah, that's lovely Joe' type responses do not help.

The correct response 'don't give up the day job' 'that's a blurry piece of junk' and 'this is the 20th time we have told you – you can't Sculpt' are much fairer in the long run.

Positivity is much over rated in my book. Honesty is better.

Pat

When the originator of a thread lays down a challenge that anyone who does not like his garbage is perverted, I feel compelled to reply in the negative.

Besides, it would not look good for TMP to allow trash to be advertised with no negative comments.

NO ONE is telling anyone "what to like". Yet another fine straw man argument in the fine tradition of the thread you are referring to.

Why can't we all just be friends?

Not liking something is not the same as not the same as:

"Why do you make negative comments about something that you have no interest in?"

I do recall a game designer who asked for feedback from his playtest groups about a new set of rules. It took me a while to realise that what he actually wanted to was a pat on the back. Unsurprisingly the rules have since bombed.

You have to be cruel to be kind sometimes.

Why are you being so negative about our negativity?

In the case of the "Boobies & Bellies & Butts" thread, I'm pretty sure the thread orginator wanted feedback, and asked for it in such a way that he was sure some of it would be negative.

According to medical studies, 1 in 3 men suffer from erectile dysfunction. That should explain a lot.

Who are you to make judgments or to criticize about what people like or don't like in a range of miniatures.

Because I am invariably right, even when it comes to your opinions.

@Connard Sage

"You have a problem with that?"

Not really, but would you have a problem if every Napoleonic thead posted, I would post negative comments about this genre?

I think after a while you would tire of me ranting about how boring this genre of gaming is.

I am just saying "why be negative when you don't have to?"

Who are you to make judgments or to criticize about what people like or don't like in a range of miniatures.

Someone who pays money for miniatures.

"I do recall a game designer who asked for feedback from his playtest groups about a new set of rules. It took me a while to realise that what he actually wanted to was a pat on the back. Unsurprisingly the rules have since bombed."

What about the many times when people do not ask for your opinions?

"Why do you make negative comments about something that you have no interest in?"

"Someone who pays money for miniatures"

That is the crux of my question

Why do you make negative comments about something that you have no interest in?

John you probably have no interest in scantily clad women miniatures so why comment?

Not really, but would you have a problem if every Napoleonic thead posted, I would post negative comments about this genre?

No. I'm used to it. Napoleonics is the TMP whipping boy, one becomes inured. Besides it's only toy soldiers, not oncological research.

Positive reinforcement of other people's mediocre work only belongs in one place. As I'm not a primary school teacher, intelligent adults shouldn't expect a metaphorical pat on the head from me for producing, at best, something average. If people can't take criticism they shouldn't invite it.

I am not saying we should give positive reinforcement, just No Comment if you don't like the work.

"If people can't take criticism they should ask for it."

What if they don't ask for it?

Just because you try to sell your product here on TMP, it does not mean that they want to be criticized. They are not asking for it.

"Why do you make negative comments about something that you have no interest in?"

One assumes to fulfill the need to 'be heard', possibly even validated.

Well that kind of spoils the joke…

Inari7 wrote:

I am just saying "why be negative when you don't have to?"

Nobody has to say anything here, positive or negative. So why bother?

Because we feel like it.

John you probably have no interest in scantily clad women miniatures so why comment?

How do you know that?
What qualifies you to make that assumption? Do you know me? Have you ever played in any of my games?

What I HAVE "commented" upon is stupid sculpts, anatomically ludicrous sculpts, sculpts with idiotic armor, exploitative sculpts, perverted sculpts, etc.

"It seems a very British thing to want to upset people with negative feedback and it is not only in 'our' hobby."

If you think that is a peculiarly British trait then either you've never read a Youtube comments section, or every single person that ever commented on a Youtube video is from Britain.

"How do you know that? What qualifies you to make that assumption? Do you know me? Have you ever played in any of my games?"

John, thats why I said "Probably".

What if your idea of Anatomically ludicrous sculps are what others call good?

Why make others feel bad when you don't have too?

Just because you try to sell your product here on TMP, it does not mean that they want to be criticized. They are not asking for it.

Which part of 'public forum' don't you understand?

Do you sugar the pill IRL when dealing with colleagues/employees/contractors?

This "if you can't say anything nice, say nothing" thing seems peculiarly American. Brits tend to call a spade a spade, and Germans think we aren't forthright enough

link

"What if your idea of Anatomically ludicrous sculps are what others call good?"

Then they're wrong. Obviously. Sheesh.

Allen

Why feel bad simply because others don't like what you like?

As you said, it's all just opinions, right?

So why bother… unless of course you sense that criticism can amount to rather more than just opinion and that is exactly why you'd rather not hear it.

Connard, that Brit/German BBC article is generally full of it, but I will say that even as a green card holder I'm still a bit at a loss when some random schmoe asks me "How are you?"

"Good. How are YOU?"

"Good."

Fabulous. That out of the way, maybe we can now talk about something OF CONSEQUENCE.

"Which part of 'public forum' don't you understand?"

So you justify negative comments because you are on a public fourm?

"Brits tend to call a spade a spade"

Even when your opinion is not asked for or wanted?

And I thought the British were polite and proper.

What happened to decoum in your society?

Connard, that Brit/German BBC article is generally full of it, but I will say that even as a green card holder I'm still a bit at a loss when some random schmoe asks me "How are you?"

Yeah it does rather overstate its case, but I've worked with German colleagues and they Do Not Do Small Talk. Which is fine by me :)

So you justify negative comments because you are on a public fourm?
Even when your opinion is not asked for or wanted?

For the love of Mike, change the record. It's becoming repetitive. People have differing views. In a free society people can express those views without let or hindrance.

BTW, I haven't posted on the thread that sent you teetering over the edge.

I can kinda see your point, Inari7.
But then again, if I wanted to make a comment like…

Well, It's not for me. I don't dig it.

I don't see that as overly negative.

But if I went on and on and on and on about how bad it was in the same thread, that would annoy me.

I can only comment for myself but if someone asks for an opinion I will give it I will be honest and try to be constructive. If my comments help then great I also know that my comments may not be as valid as someone else's . At the end of the day if someone asks for my opinion then I will be honest but it doesn't mean you have to be cruel and hurtful in your response !

"In a free society people can express those views without let or hindrance."

This is true, and I agree with you, but there are boundries. Right?

If I met you and your siginifant other would it be in my rights for me to say that your companion was ugly or not my type?

In society there are unwritten rules, why don't they apply to the "public forum" of the internet?

Are you that crass in real life?

"Bloop!"

If I met you and your siginifant other would it be in my rights for me to say that your companion was ugly or not my type?

You are perfectly free to say what you wish about my wife, as long as you are perfectly willing to take the consequences. And after she'd finished with you, I'd want a word.

Are you that crass in real life?

Now who's being insulting?

There's a big difference between being rude and being negative.
Giving someone a considered and honest critique is a valuable service… holding back unless it's positive… or giving false support ("That looks great!") is worse than an honest negative.
Opinions are most useful when they come with some explanation though…
Just saying, "That's really cool" is no more useful than saying, "That looks like crap!"

"What if your idea of Anatomically ludicrous sculps are what others call good?"

Then they're wrong. Obviously. Sheesh.

Perhaps I feel a duty to educate those who have never seen a naked female. Perhaps I feel a need to tell them that this is not what a woman looks like.

Hey, I can't hang around this thread all day.

YouTube link

"Now who's being insulting?"
Sorry I did not mean to insult, but what I ment was are that foward with your comments when not on the internet?
Not that you yourself was crass.

It is too early in the morning to hit me with all them negative waves.

Some folks just have too much fun being rude I guess.

8\

People are rude on the internet? Who would have thought?

In society there are unwritten rules, why don't they apply to the "public forum" of the internet?
Are you that crass in real life?

I have been critical of TMP policies on manners and civility for some time. I have taken heat from my opinions, but they still hold. John has given me grief on this topic. While I often find John's manners lacking, he was correct in this instance with a blunt, direct response to Battle Miniatures Emporium.

Battle Miniatures Emporium's postings violated numerous rules for polite, effective writing starting with his initial post. It is normally acceptable to violate a few rules when posting, but excessive violations often have consequences. All those who post on TMP choose whether to adhere to these formal rules and unwritten rules when starting a thread. Battle Miniatures Emporium did not.

When inviting an open discussion in a public forum following these rules helps avoid contentious debates and promotes effective communication…

Utilize complete sentences to express yourself most clearly.
Use proper grammar.
Capitalize words when necessary.
End sentences with punctuation.
When addressing an international audience, avoid slang and informal language.
Avoid all-caps, a digital version of shouting.
Limit or avoid profanity, emoticons and net-speak when contesting points.
Ask fair, unbiased questions.
Try to pose an impersonal argument.
Express your ideas fully without assuming the reader can infer omitted information.
Don't posit ad hominem or straw man arguments.
Don't react defensively when criticized or your opinions are not shared.
Sarcasm is difficult to express effectively in short, pithy writing.
Don't assume your audience shares your views.
Avoid a confusing series of interrelated questions.
Provide data, when referenced, that supports your argument.
Don't confuse your assumptions about others with their actual views.
Avoid blunt remarks in favor of constructive and conciliatory language.
Don't respond in an argumentative or combative manner.
Read what others have written and ask for clarification where necessary.
Avoid loaded questions or trolling.
Avoid dismissive attitudes to opinions you do not hold. Address and refute them.
Treat others with respect.

All these things are considerations to your reader and good manners. Flagrant disregard or ignorance of these rules exposes the writer to censure. Battle Miniatures Emporium exposed himself. John, myself and others censured him. It is proper to censure someone in some cases. Otherwise, how can people learn how to express themselves properly?

Some rules are dropped when a person is being censured. Censuring someone is not rude. In these instances it is necessary to be blunt, combative, dismissive, direct or even disrespectful to the uncouth violator. Taking off the kid gloves is how the violator knows they are being censured. To ignore such persons is cowardly and harmful to the community. To do otherwise is to tolerate incivility.

We don't need any more crass behavior around here.

Am I allowed to make negative comments about the rules of society without following the rules of society?

Trolling is an art form too Inari7. You must respect the fact that you shouldn't believe everything you hear, or read for that matter. In this forum on the internet, freedom of speech prevails for the most part so long as it is not profane, or in violation of Bill's fairly modest rules. So, I guess you have probably already answered your question given the number of responses, some are even well-reasoned. To pervert the immortal words of George Mallory "Because we can."

Yes..

Sarcasm can be effective short and pithy. It's the reader's job.

Regarding OP and subsequentness-

Who are you to make judgments or to criticize about what people like or don't like in a range of miniatures.

I think people share what *they* like or don't like far more often than criticize what *others* like or don't like. If that doesn't conform with someone else's expectations, no big deal. The Internet is for communication, not harmonization.

Why make others feel bad when you don't have too?

That's a choice made by the person feeling bad.

Even when your opinion is not asked for or wanted?

Don't assume that's the case. As a reader, I value opinions both negative and positive.

Just because you try to sell your product here on TMP, it does not mean that they want to be criticized. They are not asking for it.

This isn't a broadcast only sales medium like spam emails without valid return addresses, or a recorded phone message with a private caller id.

Advertising on the internet is an invitation for response.

I think the main problem on TMP is that people are just not honest with their criticism enough of the time. Someone posts beautifully painted minis and everyone says bravo. Then someone else posts some awfully painted minis and we still say bravo.

Now I know we all just want to be constructive in our criticisms and don't want to oppress or put people off, but aplying superlatives to dross is no more constructive than polishing faeces.

This is where Frothers comes in to it's own: For all the rambunctious language I think it's the best source for unadulterated constructive, if occasionally achingly blunt, criticism.

"This is where Frothers comes in to it's own: For all the rambunctious language I think it's the best source for unadulterated constructive, if occasionally achingly blunt, criticism."

So anyone wanting honest criticism of their over-endowed Bionoids would post pics on Frothers, no? No?

Allen

Kinda funny.
I posted the 3 B's to see if people could have a fun conversation, and possibly share interesting points about the topic.
Some did, and some showed us what we already know.
It was a success IMO…and very…very…very funny.

It's obvious this thread needs more boobies! Jus' sayin'…

Allen if I cared even a little bit about that SEWER I would post there.

I DO NOT CARE…at all, about what "they think".
If you and OFM, and your posse knew how true that is, you would .

It does not bother me…at all…it just makes you shine in a very bad light. It also LOWERS THE TONE OF TMP.
I LOVE TMP!
…do you?

HUH?
I am laughing at you even as I type.

So you and your old pals, the ones that have yet to crawl into the mud bog, just keep on making little personal attacks, while I laugh at you.

I have had my entire existence as a human judged here many times, and you know what, it means as much to me as a lint ball on my shoes that I might see and kick off…if I feel like it at the time.

MEH…

I have been more loyal to the lifestyle of this "Hobby" than many, and I am here doing the best work I possibly can.

Kinda FUN too.

I will do what I do, and have a great time at my WORK desk…and no one, not one of the lonely little haters will change that, or even remotely annoy me…not one.

The Elf IS Dead, you see.
I KILLED HIM…LOL!!!

GET IT…YET?!

Aye. Right.

"the lifestyle of this hobby".

What are you on?